Ballyclare Rugby will be stronger with a mix of youth and experience

With the Coronavirus pandemic cutting the rugby season prematurely short, a promising end to the season for Ballyclare RFC was halted.
Captain Jack Gamble runningCaptain Jack Gamble running
Captain Jack Gamble running

With the last game played on March 7, The Cloughan side had booked their appearance in a third consecutive Towns Cup final with a victory in the semi-final over esteemed rivals Dromore.

With the club also sitting top of the league with only a couple of games remaining, hopes of silverware to cap another successful season were high.

When COVID 19 ended all rugby activity soon after, the opportunity for a season finale went begging.

Aaron HallAaron Hall
Aaron Hall

Time has however passed, thankfully the threat of the pandemic has subsided and plans for rugby to start at The Cloughan again are in full swing.

The club has appointed Rab Catherwood as its COVID 19 Safety Officer, who along with dedicated team are developing a Health and Safety Plan to allow the safe return to pre-season training at Ballyclare.

Rab Catherwood said; “In line with the IRFU’s Return to Rugby Roadmap, the club is developing a strategy to ensure the welfare of all our members as we look forward to being able to safely return to rugby ahead of a new season.”

The senior club has had a well-connected period considering it was due to be the off season away from each other.

JG CaptainJG Captain
JG Captain

From a end of season awards organised by Ricky Lutton and fellow front row forward Dean Jones to a Zoom send off for outgoing First XV manager Stephen Crawford following 5 years dedicated service and a welcome on board to Kris James, who steps up from the Second XV.

JJ Baird has made the transition from Third XV to the Second XV coaching role with Aaron Weir as Manager.

Along with this, Head Coach Mike Orchin-McKeever was quick to react by setting up social and training groups via WhatsApp to keep the players together from the start of April with a mixture of fun, competition and social elements. Ballyclare’s Captain Dave Clarke commented; “With the season coming to an abrupt end with lockdown, it was important for everyone’s mental health in the squad to stay connected.

“Regular team contact helped everyone through the challenging time and we all look forward to getting out on the training pitch ahead of a new season.”

Matthew OrrMatthew Orr
Matthew Orr

For 20/21 the club looks forward to welcoming some new young talent on board with Ballyclare High School First XV Captain and Ulster U19 backrower Jack Gamble set to play for Ballyclare RFC along with both school vice captains Adam Barron and Mark Jackson.

Also on board are leavers scrum half Matthew Spence, winger Jack Purdy and front row forward Matthew Orr.

Whilst the Head Coach is waiting to hear if back three player Lucca Hamill will be going away to university or not, he too has signed for the club.

This link from school to club is a real reflection on the community in Ballyclare town.

Patrick WhitePatrick White
Patrick White

“JG is an extremely talented rugby player with excellent leadership skills,” said Mike Orchin-McKeever.

“He is a superb addition and makes it five of the past seven school captains to join the club.

“Mark is a very versatile player in the backs and Adam is a strong backrower that will link superbly with the senior squad along with Spence, Lucca, Matthew and Jack.

“The age profile of the squad remains young and exciting.”

Mike is also delighted to be able to re-join with Patrick White from the Club’s U18 side.

Patrick was a Subsidiary Shield winner two years previous with the school.

Mark Jackson Vice Captain kickingMark Jackson Vice Captain kicking
Mark Jackson Vice Captain kicking

“Patrick has had a fantastic season with the club’s U18 side who won their regional league and I am excited at getting to continue assisting in his development with rugby as well as those who have also played U18 club rugby in their transition to senior rugby,” added Mike.

The coach is also looking forward to working with former Ballyclare RFC Youth player Aaron Hall who returned to the club late last season having previously been an Ulster Academy player.

Club transfer rules unfortunately didn’t permit Aaron to play for the First team last season, but as a new season approaches the Cloughan supporters look forward to seeing Hall in a Ballyclare shirt again.

Experience has been added with Jamie Orr, a school teacher and head of rugby at Antrim Grammar who has joined from Randalstown RFC.

“This is a super signing for the club,” said Orchin-McKeever. “He is a man who understands the game and has ambitions to learn more.

“He offers strength and depth to our pack but most importantly he is another good guy to add to the squad who can muck in.”

David Devine joins the club having previously played All Ireland rugby with Belfast Harlequins and City of Derry.

“This is another excellent signing for Ballyclare,” said thr coach. “David’s experience will add great value to the squad.”

Creating the right balance of experience and exciting young talent will be honed on the training field over the next couple of months.

“The Ulster Championship is a very competitive league and that combined with Junior and Towns Cup campaigns as well as another venture into the All Ireland Junior Cup, will offer plenty of opportunities at Ballyclare for those hungry to climb more mountains next season,” concluded Orchin-McKeever.

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